Ger Aylward had a championship debut start to remember with a hat-trick of goals as Kilkenny made a mockery of their 12-week hiatus and the loss of Colin Fennelly to injury before throw-in.

Two goals in the space of three minutes early in the second half helped fire Longford to a comfortable win over Carlow in the first round of the qualifiers tonight.

Both of last year’s All-Ireland hurling finalists enter the Championship arena this weekend, as Kilkenny meet age-old rivals Wexford and Tipperary seek revenge on Limerick.

The second round of the weather-affected US PGA Championship resumed at Whistling Straits on Saturday, with Justin Rose in position to chase a second major title.

Spieth's whose second round play was much admired by his playing partner Rory McIlroy.

United have now not lost at Villa Park in the Barclays Premier League since a 3-1 defeat in August 1995.

"It would be great to hole a few more putts, because I feel like I’m giving myself plenty of chances."

"There’s plenty of chances out there and if I can convert a few hopefully there is a low score in me.”

Rugby, GAA, golf, medal chances in boxing and the first Super Sunday of the Premier League season - this weekend has it all.

The world number one missed from 18 feet for birdie on the 10th and was unable to get up and down for birdie on the par-five 11th after a badly pulled approach.

Rory McIlroy will begin Friday's PGA Championship second round five shots off the pace but satisfied to have come through a testing examination of the left ankle he injured just five weeks ago.

Defending champion McIlroy and world number two Spieth had been paired together for the opening two rounds at Whistling Straits, along with Open champion Zach Johnson.

The final major of the year begins later today in Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, so we have put together an infographic with all you need to know for the weekend.

“It was unfortunate that part of the statement issued in support of the retired manager Brian Cuthbert was interpreted as criticism of the referee.”

Rory McIlroy insisted his head-to-head record against Jordan Spieth would count for nothing when the 97th US PGA Championship got underway at Whistling Straits today.

Rory McIlroy will attempt to become just the second player in the modern era to successfully defend the US PGA Championship.

"I don’t look at them as any harder to win, you just really have to be patient and not push any harder than needed."

Clarke believes Rory McIlroy can contend for a fifth major title this week, despite his long injury lay-off.

World number one Rory McIlroy has confirmed his intention to defend his US PGA Championship title this weekend at Whistling Straits.

Manchester City got their Premier League title bid up and running with a comfortable 3-0 win.